Final answer:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects insulin production, while type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, and family history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in a lack of insulin production. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood and requires insulin injections for survival.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin. It is more common in adults and can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin.
Factors that can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, family history, and certain ethnicities.